Find a wish list

Annie Jacobsen, Phenomena

Thursday, March 30, 2017 - 7:00pm

Can't make it to the event but still want a signed copy of the book? Call us at 831-423-0900 to reserve your signed copy.

Bookshop Santa Cruz presents Pulitzer Prize (The Pentagon's Brain) Finalist Annie Jacobsen and her latest, highly anticipated book Phenomena, the definitive history of the military's decades-long investigation into mental powers and phenomena. This is a book about a team of scientists and psychics with top secret clearances For more than forty years, the U.S. government has researched extrasensory perception, using it in attempts to locate hostages, fugitives, secret bases, and downed fighter jets, to divine other nations' secrets, and even to predict future threats to national security. The intelligence agencies and military services involved include CIA, DIA, NSA, DEA, the Navy, Air Force, and Army-and even the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Now, for the first time, New York Times bestselling author Annie Jacobsen tells the story of these radical, controversial programs, using never before seen declassified documents as well as exclusive interviews with, and unprecedented access to, more than fifty of the individuals involved. Speaking on the record, many for the first time, are former CIA and Defense Department scientists, analysts, and program managers, as well as the government psychics themselves.

Who did the U.S. government hire for these top secret programs, and how do they explain their military and intelligence work? How do scientists approach such enigmatic subject matter? What interested the government in these supposed powers and does the research continue? Phenomena is a riveting investigation into how far governments will go in the name of national security.

"Compelling….An excellent read that gives evidence on both sides of the argument that extrasensory perception (ESP) and psychokinesis exist… Highly recommended for those interested in the military and the paranormal.” — Library Journal, Starred Review

"Eye-opening…A fascinating peek at a little-seen side of national security.” — Booklist